Latest News

Iran won't allow independent Kurdistan to be created in Iraq

September 17th, 2017 - Fort Russ News -

- Al Mayadeen - - translated by Samer Hussein -

Secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, said that Tehran won't allow independent Kurdistan to be created in Iraq, noting it recognizes only one Iraqi government and a unified Iraq.

Shamkhani said that although his country considers Iraqi Kurds to be its friends and allies, and stood by their side during the most difficult moments, it nonetheless believes that referendum on secession of the Kurdistan province from Iraq, will not benefit the region, explaining that referendum will, amid opposition by Iraq and its neighbours, create complex and difficult conditions for the whole region in the post-referendum era.

Shamkhani also said that the separation of Kurdistan will likely mean the end of all security and military agreements with Iran, as well as the closure of all corridors and border crossings between Iran and the autonomous Iraqi region.

In addition, it might also prompt Tehran to seriously reconsider security situation and increase the activities against forces, hostile to the Revolution.

According to Shamkhani, lots of political and diplomatic moves remain available as regards the issue of the referendum, noting that the Kurdish officials still have the opportunity to reconsider their hasty decisions.

The Iranian official considered that holding the referendum has no legal basis, and will have negative effects on security of the region, the state of Iraq, and even Kurdistan itself.

The decision of the Barzani regime to take the independent route, has already caused much provocation in political circles in the region.

Earlier, Turkey urged Iran to press Barzani regime not to allow the referendum, while the Saudi Minister of State for Gulf Affairs, Thamer Al Sbahan offered mediation between Baghdad and Erbil.

Meanwhile, Iraqi President Fuad Masum has launched an initiative for dialogue between leaders and political forces of Baghdad and Erbil, calling for intensive meetings between the two sides to reach concrete and urgent solutions.

Previously, the Iraqi parliament sacke Necmettin Karim, the governor of Kirkuk, after he expressed support for the referendum.

The action resulted in Masoud Barzani attacking Iraqi parliament for its decision, stressing that the decisions made by Baghdad do not bind Kurdistan, and that the referendum on the independence of the region will nonetheless kick off on September 25th.